Woman dies after hot air balloon accident

The woman injured in a hot air balloon accident has died after a week in critical condition at Alice Springs Hospital.

ABC: Martin Davies

A 35-year-old woman has died from injuries she sustained during a hot air balloon accident in Alice Springs a little over a week ago.

Steph Bernoth was seriously injured when a scarf she was wearing was drawn through the mesh guard of a cold-air inflation fan while she was preparing to climb into the basket.

She had been in a critical condition in Alice Springs Hospital, but died on Friday.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has advised balloon operators to review risk controls in relation to the safety of cold-air inflation fans.

ATSB investigators have visited Alice Springs and are reviewing the balloon operator's procedures.

The ATSB says the balloon operator has modified its procedures relating to the movement of passengers who are near cold-air inflation fans, and have alerted staff to related hazards, including securing loose items.